Medication Disposal System

ABSTRACT

A system for safely neutralizing medication and venting gases produced by the neutralization process includes a container holding a quantity of disposal formula, sealed with a bottle liner, a closure with a pressure relief aperture, and an amount of hardener that may be added to the disposal formula. In some embodiments, a breathable, liquid-impermeable liner within the closure prevents liquids and solids from leaking through the pressure relief aperture. Other embodiments utilize a variable pressure relief valve within the closure to prevent leakage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/940,301 filed on Feb. 14, 2014.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of hazardous waste containment, and more specifically to a system for the safe disposal of medications.

BACKGROUND

Abuse of prescription medications represents the fastest-growing segment of drug abuse. Painkillers such as morphine and oxycodone, stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, and depressants such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines can be therapeutic when properly used, but can also be addictive and dangerous when abused. Unfortunately, these medications cannot simply be thrown out or washed down a drain when unused or expired, as they may cause contamination of soil and water.

Non-prescription medications are also abused, and, like prescription medications, cannot simply be thrown out due to a risk of contamination. Additionally, over-the-counter effervescent medications such as cold and flu tablets may cause chemical reactions that damage pipes or refuse containers.

There is a need for a system that can neutralize, store and safely dispose of any unused or expired medications.

There is also a need for a system that can safely vent any gas produced by the medication neutralization process without leaking any liquid or solid materials from the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate an exploded perspective view and an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate an exploded perspective view and an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded side view of an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate resting and activated close-up views, respectively, of a valve from an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system for safely neutralizing medication and venting gases produced by the neutralization process. The system includes a container holding a quantity of disposal formula and sealed with a bottle liner, a closure with a pressure relief aperture, and an amount of hardener that may be added to the disposal formula. In some embodiments, a breathable liner within the closure prevents liquids and solids from leaking through the pressure relief aperture. Other embodiments utilize a variable pressure relief valve within the closure to prevent leakage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of a medication disposal system, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent components may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or nearly identical structural elements.

Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related.

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate an exploded perspective view and an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system 100. Medication disposal system 100 includes a container 10 having a container neck 15 with a container opening 17, a quantity of disposal formula 20, a container of hardener 25, a bottle liner 30, a breathable liner 40 having a plurality of gas pathways 45 and a closure 50 having a pressure relief aperture 55.

As shown in Figure la, container 10 is a liquid-impermeable container having a container neck 15 with a container opening 17. Container 10 is preferably manufactured from a layer of polymer material. While container 10 has a cylindrical shape in the exemplary embodiment, numerous other shapes are contemplated. In some embodiments, container 10 may be made from one or more layers of material, such as a liquid-impermeable yet gas-permeable fabric membrane liner such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex™). In various embodiments, container neck 15 may form a threaded connection or a snap connection with closure 50. Container opening 17 is sized to permit insertion of solid or liquid medications.

As shown in FIG. 1 b, container 10 holds a quantity of disposal formula 20. Disposal formula 20 is an aqueous solution including a surfactant and neutralizer. In one embodiment, the surfactant is soap and the neutralizer is activated charcoal. The activated charcoal may be in a granular, powdered, bead, pellet or any other form. Disposal formula 20 serves to safely dissolve and disperse any medications placed into container 10.

As shown in FIG. 1 a, medication disposal system 100 also includes a quantity of hardener 25. In various embodiments, hardener 25 may be a solid or liquid chemical composition which, when added to disposal formula 20, causes disposal formula 20 to at least partially gel or solidify, preventing it from leaking from container 10. Hardener 25 may be provided in a single-dose packet or a larger multi-dose container.

Bottle liner 30, made from a liquid-impermeable material such as a polymer, seals container opening 17 to prevent evaporation of disposal formula 20 and ensure that disposal formula 20 remains in container 10 during shipping. Bottle liner 30 also indicates any tampering with disposal formula 20. In various embodiments, bottle liner 30 attaches to container neck 15 through heat-sealing, press-fit or adhesion.

Breathable liner 40 is a liquid-impermeable yet gas-permeable fabric membrane liner located within closure 50. Breathable liner 40 is manufactured from materials such as, but not limited to, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex™). At least one gas pathway 45 in breathable liner 40 permits safe expulsion of any gases generated within container 10 during use of medication disposal system 100, preventing pressure buildup within or rupture of container 10. Since breathable liner 40 only permits release of gases, any liquids or solids remain safely within container 10.

In various embodiments, closure 50 may be a standard closure or may have child-resistant features, such as a two-part closure 50 with a threaded inner closure member and an outer overcap. Closure 50 also has at least one pressure relief aperture 55 that provides an outlet for any gases generated within container 10 during use of medication disposal system 100. This allows safe expulsion of these gases, preventing pressure buildup within or rupture of container 10. In various embodiments, closure 50 may form a threaded connection or a snap connection with container neck 15.

During use, a user removes bottle liner 30 to unseal container opening 17. The user then adds medication to container 10 through container opening 15. Once inside container 10, medication contacts disposal formula 20, which dissolves the medication and renders it inert. A user may repeat the process for additional medications or close container 10 using closure 50. Any gases produced during the neutralization process vent through container opening 17 or through breathable liner 40 and pressure relief aperture 55 after application of closure 50. During final use, the user may also add a quantity of hardener 25 to solidify disposal formula 20 before applying closure 50. The entire medication disposal system 100 can then be safely disposed of.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system 100. This view shows the layered arrangement of container 10, container neck 15, container opening 17, bottle liner 30, breathable liner 40 and closure 50.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system 100. This view shows the layered arrangement of container 10, container neck 15, container opening 17, bottle liner 30, breathable liner 40 and closure 50.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled exemplary embodiment of a medication disposal system 100. This view displays the assembled arrangement of breathable liner 40 and closure 50. The position of breathable liner 40 during attachment of closure 50 allows venting of any gases that may have formed during the use of medication disposal system 100. Expelled gas is represented by arrows.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate an exploded perspective view and an exploded and partially cutaway view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system 200. Medication disposal system 200 includes a container 210 having a container neck 215 with a container opening 217, a quantity of disposal formula 220, a container of hardener 225, a bottle liner 230, a closure 250 having a pressure relief aperture 255, a variable pressure relief valve 257, a valve seat 258 (not shown), a valve retainer 259, and an optional removable seal 260.

Container 210, container neck 215, container opening 217, disposal formula 220, hardener 225, bottle liner 230, closure 250, and pressure relief aperture 255 correspond to their counterparts in the previous exemplary embodiment.

Variable pressure relief valve 257 connects to closure 250 through valve retainer 259. Variable pressure relief valve 257 opens at a calibrated pressure to provide an outlet for any gases generated within container 210 during use of medication disposal system 200. This allows safe expulsion of these gases, preventing pressure buildup within or rupture of container 210. In various embodiments, the pressure at which variable pressure relief valve 257 opens may be different to accommodate different pressurization levels for container 210. Variable pressure relief valve 257 can be manufactured from silicone, rubber, or any other flexible polymer.

Removable seal 260 is an optional part of medication disposal system 200. Optionally, a user applies removable seal 260 over pressure relief aperture 255 and variable pressure relief valve 257 after the final use of container 210, sealing them closed and preventing leakage. In various embodiments, removable seal 260 attaches to closure 250 through heat-sealing or adhesion. The material making up removable seal 260 is liquid-impermeable.

During use, a user removes bottle liner 230 to unseal container opening 217. The user then adds medication to container 210 through container opening 215. Once inside container 210, medication contacts disposal formula 220, which dissolves the medication and renders it inert. A user may repeat the process for additional medications or close container 210 using closure 250. Any gases produced during the neutralization process vent through container opening 217 or through variable pressure relief valve 257 and pressure relief aperture 255 after application of closure 250. During final use, the user may also add a quantity of hardener 225 to solidify disposal formula 220 before applying closure 250. The user may also seal variable pressure relief valve 257 and pressure relief aperture 255 by applying removable seal 260. The entire medication disposal system 200 can then be safely disposed of.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded side view of an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system 200. This view shows the layered arrangement of container 210, container neck 215, container opening 217, bottle liner 230, closure 250, variable pressure relief valve 257, valve retainer 259, and removable seal 260.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system 200. This view shows the layered arrangement of container 210, container neck 215, container opening 217, bottle liner 230, closure 250, pressure relief aperture 255, variable pressure relief valve 257, valve seat 258, valve retainer 259 and removable seal 260.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled alternative embodiment of a medication disposal system 200. This view displays the final assembled arrangement of closure 250, pressure relief aperture 255, variable pressure relief valve 257, valve seat 258, valve retainer 259 and removable seal 260. As shown in FIG. 8, the combination of valve seat 258 and valve retainer 259 holds variable pressure relief valve 257 in place during use.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate resting and activated close-up views, respectively, of variable pressure relief valve 257. FIG. 9 a shows variable pressure relief valve 257 at rest. FIG. 9 b shows variable pressure relief valve 257 opened due to gas pressure build-up in container 210. Expelled gas is represented by arrows. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A medication disposal system comprising: a container having a container neck, wherein said container neck includes a container opening; a closure having at least one pressure relief aperture and at least one pressure relief regulator having at least one gas pathway therethrough; a quantity of disposal formula, wherein said quantity of disposal formula is a solution capable of dissolving and inactivating a medication, wherein said quantity of disposal formula is contained within said container; and a quantity of hardener, wherein said quantity of hardener is a chemical composition capable of at least partially solidifying said quantity of disposal formula.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least part of said container is manufactured from a polymer.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least part of said container is manufactured from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said system further includes a threaded closure mechanism between said container neck and said closure.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said closure is a childproof closure having a threaded inner closure member and an outer overcap.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said system further includes a snap closure mechanism between said container neck and said closure.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said system further includes a liquid-impermeable bottle liner sealing said container opening.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein said bottle liner forms a heat seal, press-fit seal or adhesive seal to said container neck.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure relief regulator is located between said container opening and said at least one pressure relief aperture.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure relief regulator is a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane includes a plurality of gas pathways.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein said gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane is manufactured from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure relief regulator is a variable pressure relief valve.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein said variable pressure relief valve is located within a valve seat inside of said closure.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein said variable pressure relief valve is located between said pressure relief aperture and a valve retainer.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein said disposal formula is an aqueous solution of surfactant and neutralizer.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein said surfactant is soap and said neutralizer is activated charcoal.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein said system further includes a removable seal over said pressure relief aperture on an external surface of said closure.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein said removable seal is liquid impermeable.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein said removable seal forms a heat seal or adhesive seal to said closure. 